Houston Texans Face Most Important Draft In Franchise History

When the Houston Texans hit the field for training camp this summer, the team will officially begin their eighth season as a franchise. Since the 2002 NFL Draft, the Texans have struggled with inconsistent play on the field and ineffective decision-making by current and former front-office personnel.

Slowly, Houston has progressed into an 8-8 team, but not at the rate owner Bob McNair expected to achieve. 

Typically, the front office demonstrates certain irrationalities when drafting players and lacks the desire to pursue quality free-agents. Since the inaugural season, Houston has drafted proficient, franchise players like Owen Daniel, Andre Johnson, Amobi Okoye, Dunta Robinson, DeMeco Ryans, Steve Slaton, and Mario Williams. Despite the success of these draft picks, the majority of Houston’s selections have been bust, especially QB David Carr, the No. 1 pick in the 2002 NFL Draft. 

For the 2009 NFL Draft, the Texans will encounter their most important draft in franchise history. Before analyzing the needs of the Texans, the team must put together the right coaching staff. Head coach Gary Kubiak and GM Rick Smith definitely have improved the organization since being hired in 2006.

This season, Kubiak showed complete discontentment toward defensive coordinator Richard Smith. Overall, the Houston Texans’ offense ranked third in the NFL, but the defense finished 22^nd. Recently the Texans fired Smith, defensive line coach Jethro Franklin, and secondary coach Jon Hoke. 

Kubiak promoted senior defensive assistant Frank Bush to replace Smith as defensive coordinator. Bush, 46, understands Kubiak's philosophy and has earned the respect of the team's defensive players the past two seasons, especially Ryans and Williams.

Also, David Gibbs, son of Texans' offensive line coach/assistant head coach Alex Gibbs, has officially replaced Hoke as secondary coach. Gibbs held the same job title the past three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, but the uncertainty of Herm Edwards' future in Kansas City and the opportunity to coach alongside his father influenced Gibbs to join the Texans.

Kubiak offered former Detroit Lions head coach Rod Marinelli the defensive line coaching position; however, Marinelli accepted the defensive line/assistant head coach position for the Chicago Bears.

When looking at potential draft possibilities, the Houston Texans will use the upcoming draft to build their defense and fill the remaining holes on the offensive line. The Texans do need a No. 2 running back to complement Steve Slaton, but will take a strong look at the free-agent market to address this need. Based on the team’s 8-8 record in 2008, Houston will select 15^th in the first-round. 

Houston’s pass defense ranked 17^th and only intercepted 12 passes in 2008. After missing out on drafting former LSU safety LaRon Landry in 2007, Houston must select a free safety that will impose fear in the opposing quarterback. Either USC junior Taylor Mays or University of Missouri senior William Moore adequately fills the biggest need for the organization.

Recently, Mays announced his intent to return to USC for his senior year, leaving Moore as the top-rated safety in the draft. At 6'1" 230 pounds, Moore has the size and speed to be a playmaker in the NFL. During his junior year, Moore recorded 117 tackles, including eight interceptions and two sacks. Moore’s production decreased during an injury-plagued senior year, but the All-American will still be selected in the first-round.  

Also, ILB James Laurinaitis from Ohio State might be a tempting draft selection for Houston. If the New Orleans Saints do not select Laurinaitis at No. 14, the 2007 Butkus Award winner would be a great addition to a linebacker core that already consists of Ryans and Zac Diles. 

Houston should consider replicating what the Carolina Panthers did in the 2008 draft. Carolina selected RB Jonathan Stewart with the No. 13 pick, and then made a valuable trade to gain an additional first-round selection, drafting OT Jeff Otah at No. 19. Houston could draft Laurinaitis at No. 15 and attempt to make a similar trade to obtain a late first-round pick to select Moore.

Still, the Texans need to find a pass-rushing DE opposite Williams. The team may try to find a sleeper later in the draft, but expect Houston to take a strong look at the free-agent market. Julius Peppers highlights the free-agent list of DE the Texans may pursue.

Traditionally, the offensive line has proven to be the team’s Achilles heel, but the hiring of Gibbs before the 2008 season brought the zone-blocking scheme to Houston.

University of Arkansas center Jonathan Luigs fits the prototypical offensive lineman for Gibbs, making him a potential second-round pick for the Texans, while University of Oregon right guard Andy Levitre might be a possibility in the third-round.

Right guard Mike Bristol struggled with Gibbs’ zone-blocking in 2008, making Levitre a perfect fit to replace Bristol as a starter. 

During the offseason, Houston realizes they must spend money on free agents. First, the Texans will focus on re-signing Robinson. When RB Ahman Green gets released, the Texans will have to sign a No. 2 running back behind Slaton that can carry the ball 10-15 times per game.

After being release by Cincinnati last season, it’s no secret the Texans liked RB Rudi Johnson. However, since Houston still had Green, signing Johnson was not an option. This time, with Green out of the picture, Johnson fits perfectly as the team's potential No. 2 running back.

The Houston Texans will be aggessive in both the 2009 NFL Draft and the free-agent market. Despite playing in a challenging AFC South Division with the Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tennessee Titans, the Texans believe they can clinch a playoff berth next season.